Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Bigron on 29 August 2017, 15:09:32
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Suddenly today my screenwashers (all jets) gave a feeble piddle of wash fluid. First and easiest thing was to shove a pin down each jet. No change and the pin came out clean.
Is there a filter in the system somewhere that might be clogged and if so, how do I get at it, please?
MPT next month and this is one of the things that I need to get right, so any advice would be welcome, please.
Ron.
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Pull the pump out, check the gauze filter in the washer bottle. Easy enough by popping bonnet and looking at centre of the washer bottle, the pump will just pull up with some wiggling, there should a gauze on a rubber lip thing which you can also pull out and clean.
Sometimes this sucks up some gunk and blocks it all :y
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Thanks tunnie, but I need it simpler than that! All I can see is the filler neck which disappears southwards; where is the pump, please? I fear you are assuming that I am cleverer than I am..... :-[
Ron.
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If you don't use a strong enough screenwash concentrate, you get ths white stuff "grow" in the tank :(.
As tunnie say, clean the gauze, but also flush the bottle out.
Open bonnet. If PFL/MFL remove grill as well.
Locate pump in bottle - if you have headlight washers, the windscreen pump is smaller of 2.
Pull back rubber cover over top, and unplug electrical connector
Push top of pump towards back of car to unclip from bottle, then lift out
The rubber seal (with integrated gauze) wil likely stay in bottle, gently pull it out, and thoroughly clean
With pump out, pop a hose in washer bottle filler, and flush tank through
If you have headlight washers, worth yanking out that pump using similar method - no gauze on that though, so when the white stuff gets in that, the pump become ineffective
Refit is reverse
Refill, and follow the strength guidance on your preferred screenwash
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Res Tank is front of Car Radiator area, Black plastic tank pump pulls out (up).
If youve got HID's / Headlight Wash there are two pumps, think the windscreen one is the lower of the 2, cant remember, but makes sense as if the water is low that the Lamp wash runs out before the screen one.
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Also a capfull of disinfectant / dettol etc can help so ive read on many forums to stop the fungus growing. I think some of the better screenwashes have this already in them
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Also a capfull of disinfectant / dettol etc can help so ive read on many forums to stop the fungus growing. I think some of the better screenwashes have this already in them
I'd stick with decent quality screen wash, and follow recommendations with regard to strength.
Problem with "mate down the pub" or internet guff recommendations on household chemical additives is you don't know what it will do to paintwork etc.
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Ah, must type faster, cant seem to reach the keyboard in this dress, things were so much simpler when I was a Lord.
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Ah, must type faster, cant seem to reach the keyboard in this dress, things were so much simpler when I was a Lord.
Omega Queen, or drama queen?
;D
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That was clear enough even to me; than ks gents. I use the screenwash from ECP at the season-appropriate dilution, or stronger, so I hope that's good enough.
Right, sleeves rolled up and go into battle tomorrow. What can possibly go wrong?.....
Ron.
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If always used screenwash, you may just have a weakening pump. But certainly checking that gauze is the first port of call. Good luck :y
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Ah, must type faster, cant seem to reach the keyboard in this dress, things were so much simpler when I was a Lord.
Omega Queen, or drama queen?
;D
A bit of Both I reckon, He does seem to be a bit strange since He come out. ;D
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....
Is there a filter in the system somewhere that might be clogged and if so, how do I get at it, please?
MPT next month and this is one of the things that I need to get right, so any advice would be welcome, please.
Ron.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90616.0 ;)
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Andy, thanks for that link to the Maintenance Guide; it is very helpful.
Is there an easy way to print off a hard copy? I pasted it into a Word document and re-formatted it to fit, but it was only marginally successful!
I do like to have my instructions in my hand when working.....
Ron.
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Should be able to just print the page of the guide I would have thought ? :-\
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I tried that, Albs, and it runs into many unnecessary pages and won't format properly - and prints in landscape mode, too! :(
Ron.
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I tried that, Albs, and it runs into many unnecessary pages and won't format properly - and prints in landscape mode, too! :(
Ron.
It will all make sense when you open the bonnet :y
Really is dead simple to lift the pump motor out and check the filter, will take less than 30 seconds :y
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Thanks Tunnie - your encouragement makes me feel better about tackling it. Just waiting for the weather to be kinder.....
A simple job on an Omega? Really?
Not April 1st., is it? ;D
Ron.
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Tunnie, you really were lifting my leg!
If only I lived on your planet, where this job could be completed in 30 seconds, I'd be a happy bunny.
Ok, this is how it worked:-
Firstly, I managed to pull out the level sensor, and got a waterfall, eventually got it seated and no more leaks - so far.
Next, I found the correct pump and tried to "unclip" it, but the hoses in the way wouldn't let me. I cleared a little space, gained some cuts and bruises and after much wiggling, jiggling and Anglo-Saxon epithets, removed the pump. The spigot on the pump felt gritty, so I went in search of the filter.
Torch in hand, I saw it - but no way could I get it out.
I replaced the pump and tried to wash the screen - not a drop came out.
The only water on the screen came from the sky, so I'm on a coffee break now and cleaning my cuts ready for another try when it stops piddling down....
Thirty seconds? Thirty minutes at least so far! :'(
Ron.
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Tunnie, you really were lifting my leg!
If only I lived on your planet, where this job could be completed in 30 seconds, I'd be a happy bunny.
Ok, this is how it worked:-
Firstly, I managed to pull out the level sensor, and got a waterfall, eventually got it seated and no more leaks - so far.
Next, I found the correct pump and tried to "unclip" it, but the hoses in the way wouldn't let me. I cleared a little space, gained some cuts and bruises and after much wiggling, jiggling and Anglo-Saxon epithets, removed the pump. The spigot on the pump felt gritty, so I went in search of the filter.
Torch in hand, I saw it - but no way could I get it out.
I replaced the pump and tried to wash the screen - not a drop came out.
The only water on the screen came from the sky, so I'm on a coffee break now and cleaning my cuts ready for another try when it stops piddling down....
Thirty seconds? Thirty minutes at least so far! :'(
Ron.
Well just to cheer you up Ron, it all comes out a lot easier then it goes back in, :( ;D
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Or, to put it the way you weren't actually saying - having got it out, it's a bar steward to replace it!
And I haven't even got near to removing the filter.....
Ron.
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If it was not pishing it down right now, I'd go out to the 3.2 and record me doing it to prove it can be done in said time frame :P
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From memory the pump pulls out, no clips as such. It just slots into the washer tank...
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....,
so I went in search of the filter.
Torch in hand, I saw it - but no way could I get it out.
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Don't push it into the bottle/tank ..... ::) ::)
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You have checked that the pump is actually working?
My car failed the MOT on the headlamp washers not working, and when I replaced the pump I realised that they've never worked in the 7 years I've owned the car.
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Yes Nick; before I "mended" it, there was at least some screenwash getting on to the screen: there's plenty of free water hitting now, courtesy of god! ;D
Andy, I was fearful of pushing that grommet into thre tank, but I can't even reach it with my large hands - I'll have to find a sylph-like dolly bird to get her fingers in it for me?
Tunnie, you got me into this, so go out and get wet! Only joking....probably!
Ron.
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I'll have to find a sylph-like dolly bird to get her fingers in it for me? .....
I would have thought your mind would have then wandered from washer bottle faults ;D ;D
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So pump is out, but not gauze? The gauze just lifts out, with a little resistance, as the rubber clips into the bottle.
Water will drain out when pump removed, obviously. Ignore it.
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Firstly gents, thanks for all your help and guidance - problem solved!
The rumoured 30 seconds to do the job was just a wind-up, surely?
My skinny-fimgered son managed to get the grommet/filter out this morning after I moved the big air intake trumpet out of the way and sure enough, it did have some white jelly-like substance on its eyehole........ :o
It cleared easily under the tap, but I would like to clean/fluch the reservoit - easy job?
A few more scratches and bruises later, pump back in, no leaks anywhere and good strong jets on the screen, but so enthusiastic that they washed the roof!
A pin redirected them, and now I'm a happy bunny.
Thanks again for your patience and advice, gents; much appreciated. :y :y :y
Ron.
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As I said in my earlier post, with pump out, shove a hose in the bottle filler... ...letting it drain out of hole where pump would sit.
Going forward, if you had that white stuff, your screen wash strength has been too weak.,
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I congratulated myself too soon!
Today I got a dribble from the jets, so I took the pump out again and popped some tubing on the pickuo end, other end in a jug of water - nuffink!
I can see the pump part rotating at the pickup end and it vibrates strongly too - but him no workee.
Replaced pump, not a drip on the screen.
Went indoors for a coffee and a sulk!
Certain to fail the MOT on Monday now so I may not keep the appointment..... :(
Ron.
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The blockage may be at the jets. Stick a pin down them and give it a wiggle.
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I did that the very first thing that I tried the other day, Albs. Even then I knew all four were unlikely to be blocked, but after I had cleaned the filter last week I had roof-washers, so I know the jets are clear!
I'm off to that cave in the Swanage Bay cliffs; I may be gone some time.....
Ron.
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Omegas will always try you patience, but you need to persevere. ;)
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I know, Albs; it's a labour of love. But a man has on ly so much love to give.....
Ron.
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I had the same problem a few weeks ago when it was bloody hot.
Pop your bonnet and if you pull up the panel on the scuttle which hides the pollen filter, you will find the break point in the washer pipe as it goes through the bulkhead.
Warm it with a hot air gun and pull the thing apart and try the washers again to isolate which end the blockage is :y
With mine, the crap in the pipe had gone hard and broke up inside the pipe under the scuttle :(
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I see what you are saying, TG, but it went from a roof-washer to old man's piddle in a day, then stopped altogether (though I could still hear/feel the pump working) so surely that's too quick for a crap blockage?
I've postponed my Monday's MOT for another week to try to fix rhe problem, but does anyone know the correct part number for my pump - 2001 ('51 Reg) 2.6 V6 CDX saloon, please, as eBay is very confusing!
Ron.
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You'll probably find that the pump is OK. They don't like working with a pipe on the inlet as they require pressure to prime.
Pull the rubber filter out again and check(bet its got slime on it again). Ideally you need to remove the tank and give it a proper clean ie part fill it with water block the holes(can leave pumps in to do this) give it a good shake and empty via the fill hole. Do this a couple of times and it should be sorted.
I had exactly the same problem last week on brother's vectra, after a proper clean now works fine.
Lee
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Thanks Lee, I will certainly try thet tomorrow. What I was thinking of doing, if I could get the pump out completely, was to pull the outlet hose off (should be easy?) and give it a good blow. I'd like to remove the electrical feed plug, but I can't seem to get it off - HELP!
Taking the tank off sounds like a good idea, but the headlamp washer pump would also need to come off, yes?
Am I digging myself into a hole here? ???
Ron.
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The electrical plugs are held on with a clip(sprung wire I think) press it in and pull plug off. The headlamp washer pump just pulls out as well but it goes towards the back of the car instead of up like the windscreen pump. The pipe on the windscreen pump can be difficult to remove, try pouring some hot/boiling water over the end before pulling it off. The pipe on the headlamp washer is a plastic connector, press in the sides and pull/twist to remove.
The tank can be removed without removing the bumper but is fiddly/tight. It's held on by 4 hex headed screws (8mm). It is easier but longer to remove the bumper and bumper bar to get to the tank. HTH.
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Have you tried taking the pipe off at the nozzle and blowing back through the pump.
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IIRC, you didn't flush bottle out as I suggested, so its possible the gauze is blocked again.
Its a pain to flush bottle properly, hence suggestion to remove pump (ideally both pumps), and just run a hose through the filler and let it run out of the pump apertures.
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TB, would it do the job just as well if I pulled the level sensor out and flushet the tank that way? I was thinking of doing just that since I accidentally removed the sensor at first and was relieved to find that it simply pushed back easily, no leaks; that would be easier than taking both pumps out and fewer cuts and scratches!
Robson, I was also thinking of doing what you suggest, but is the non-pump end of the pipe accessible?
Ron.
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TB, would it do the job just as well if I pulled the level sensor out and flushet the tank that way? I was thinking of doing just that since I accidentally removed the sensor at first and was relieved to find that it simply pushed back easily, no leaks; that would be easier than taking both pumps out and fewer cuts and scratches!
Robson, I was also thinking of doing what you suggest, but is the non-pump end of the pipe accessible?
Ron.
Maybe, but if you have poor performance currently, I'd be wanting to take that washer pump out again to clean its filter.
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How did I know you were going to say that!
Ok, you win - I'll do it properly: I know it makes sense.
Thanks. :y
Ron.
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Earlier someone mentioned that one of the pumps puuls out rearwards and the other pulls upwards. Mine is a 2003 2.6 and both pumps pull upwards. The middle one (biggest) on mine is for the headlamp washers and the pipe out of it is retained by a squeeze clip. Pipe just then pulls off .pump turns clockwise a bit to allow inlet elbow clearence,pump then just pulls up and out. Left hand smaller pump again just turns clockwise and pulls upwards from the filtered grommet.pipe is then just a push fit on the outlet with a rubber sleeve on top .this pipe can and does get hard on the end and can sometimes be a bit hard to remove.as someone earlier said there is a joint nearer the windscreen in the pipe. Mine is just by the top strut mount. Dont know if this is where they all are .seperating this would allow you to blow from pump to pipe and vice versa and also to blow up into jets to confirm any blockage. This is more likelly than a failed pump but obviously pumps can fail? I would definately do a good flush of the tank with the level sensor out too.
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Many, many thanks for all of your good advice, gents; at last I have SUCCESS!
The filter was clogged again, so with pump removed I gave it several tankfuls of water and caught the outpourings in a big bowl. It looked like a big bloke had cum in the bath! Eventually it was free of "tadpoles" and the filter was pristine, so to be sure of things I attached a pipe (nicked from an old blood pressure meter!) onto the intake of the pump, filled the pipe with watet and blew. Behold, water from all jets!
Re-assembly was the reverse of the above, filled the tank with winter strength screenwash and I'll go the the MOT station in the morning with my (Screwfix) prayer mat doing overtime!
Once again, I thank you all for your help, advice and encouragement. :y 8) :-*
Ron.
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And now, to prevent reoccurrence, use the correct strength screen wash (that has shit in to stop this slime growing). Usually a 1:8 ratio in summer, dropping to 1:1 or even neat in the winter.
Never just put water in ;)
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Thanks TB. As I said in my last post, I've refilled with winter strength screenwash, but I have ALWAYS used proper screenwash anyway at the appropriate seasonal dilution, so no idea why all that "man-juice" would have formed in the tank! ???
Ron.
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Is it Poundland screen wash (other poor suppliers available as well)?
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No, ECP's finest! 8)
Ron.
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It looked like a big bloke had cum in the bath!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
*and breathe*
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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.....99, change hands! :-[
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Many, many thanks for all of your good advice, gents; at last I have SUCCESS!
The filter was clogged again, so with pump removed I gave it several tankfuls of water and caught the outpourings in a big bowl. It looked like a big bloke had cum in the bath! Eventually it was free of "tadpoles" and the filter was pristine, so to be sure of things I attached a pipe (nicked from an old blood pressure meter!) onto the intake of the pump, filled the pipe with watet and blew. Behold, water from all jets!
Re-assembly was the reverse of the above, filled the tank with winter strength screenwash and I'll go the the MOT station in the morning with my (Screwfix) prayer mat doing overtime!
Once again, I thank you all for your help, advice and encouragement. :y 8) :-*
Ron.
Yuk, too much info. By the way, how do you know? :P
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I was waiting for you to ask that! One of the Oofers told me; HE knows who he is.....
Ron.
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No, ECP's finest! 8)
Ron.
Clearly, and as suspected, its shite then!
Use something better ;)
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Oh: they told me it was good stuff! But then, as Randy Mice-Davies famously said - "They would say thet, wouldn't they"......
What would you feccommend, TB?
Ron.
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Oh: they told me it was good stuff! But then, as Randy Mice-Davies famously said - "They would say thet, wouldn't they"......
What would you feccommend, TB?
Ron.
I'm generally not fussy. Currently using the Halfords yellow one (-20C maybe?), but that was more for convenience of Halfords being round the corner from work, and it being cheap on trade, and Halfords being on cash back sites
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If in a hurry, and not planning on going into the office, I use the GM stuff on trade club, as they will drop it round the next day for free.
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Oh: they told me it was good stuff! But then, as Randy Mice-Davies famously said - "They would say thet, wouldn't they"......
What would you feccommend, TB?
Ron.
I'm generally not fussy. Currently using the Halfords yellow one (-20C maybe?), but that was more for convenience of Halfords being round the corner from work, and it being cheap on trade, and Halfords being on cash back sites
I use the purple stuff, £5 for 5 litres and smells nice too :y
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Oh: they told me it was good stuff! But then, as Randy Mice-Davies famously said - "They would say thet, wouldn't they"......
What would you feccommend, TB?
Ron.
I'm generally not fussy. Currently using the Halfords yellow one (-20C maybe?), but that was more for convenience of Halfords being round the corner from work, and it being cheap on trade, and Halfords being on cash back sites
I use the purple stuff, £5 for 5 litres and smells nice too :y
As you can mix slightly weaker in colder months, the -20C stuff does often represent better value in winter ;). Not sure it smells as nice though ;D
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Probably not and -10 is good enough for me, plus when it smells this good I wouldn`t want to use anything else ;D
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Ill be honest, I REALLY like good stuff, neat in the winter.
Working shift, after nights, or before I start days I want to clear the screen as fast as possible, the ability to use the washers, and not have the screenwash freeze on contact with the screen is very valuable to me.
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My screenwashers on my 2003 2.6 estate suddenly stopped working.
The reservoir was full, I suspected a fuse but found it was shared with the windscreen wipers which were fine.
I accessed this page for advice. I thought the pump had failed as I heard no noise when I tried to use it but a clogged filter was a possibility.
I connected a narrower gauge plastic tube to a hosepipe and washed out the reservoir thoroughlyvia the filler pipe.
No benefit. I recalled once being told that a 1% bleach solution will clear green mould from the inside of clear plastic tubing so I put some strong bleach in the reservoir and left it overnight.
I was not hopeful but today the washers worked perfectly.
I have washed the bleach off the car but left some in the reservoir for now as if used when it’s raining the bleach will be washed away.
Very pleased. My attempts to get at the motors had not been successful and I thought I might have to remove the front end for access.
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My screenwashers on my 2003 2.6 estate suddenly stopped working.
The reservoir was full, I suspected a fuse but found it was shared with the windscreen wipers which were fine.
I accessed this page for advice. I thought the pump had failed as I heard no noise when I tried to use it but a clogged filter was a possibility.
I connected a narrower gauge plastic tube to a hosepipe and washed out the reservoir thoroughlyvia the filler pipe.
No benefit. I recalled once being told that a 1% bleach solution will clear green mould from the inside of clear plastic tubing so I put some strong bleach in the reservoir and left it overnight.
I was not hopeful but today the washers worked perfectly.
I have washed the bleach off the car but left some in the reservoir for now as if used when it’s raining the bleach will be washed away.
Very pleased. My attempts to get at the motors had not been successful and I thought I might have to remove the front end for access.
Dilute the bleach you've left in there right away, or you'll find that the pump stops working soon.
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Milton sterilising fluid a capful every 3 months in the washer bottle prevents build up tip from my Ambulance service days I never have a problem with mine.
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Milton sterilising fluid a capful every 3 months in the washer bottle prevents build up tip from my Ambulance service days I never have a problem with mine.
Or a splash of meths.
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Screenwash and distilled water in mine. No issues. :y
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Asda neat in mine for the last seven years. No problems and it can get a bit nippy up here.
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Asda neat in mine for the last seven years. No problems and it can get a bit nippy up here.
Have a heated washer bottle and jets, so not such a concern.
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Asda neat in mine for the last seven years. No problems and it can get a bit nippy up here.
Have a heated washer bottle and jets, so not such a concern.
I've got a scraper and plenty of time ;D
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Neat vodka is another option Russians swear by it👍😎
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Neat vodka is another option Russians swear by it👍😎
Yes, but what do they use as screen wash? ;D
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Neat vodka is another option Russians swear by it👍😎
Yes, but what do they use as screen wash? ;D
Doesn't make any difference, they're all so pissed that a frozen screen is hardly noticed.
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Neat vodka is another option Russians swear by it👍😎
Yes, but what do they use as screen wash? ;D
Doesn't make any difference, they're all so pissed that a frozen screen is hardly noticed.
In Russia, they drink screenwash anyway, so it's interchangeable with vodka.
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Their driving would suggest a very high alcohol content😂 they’re all crazy road ragers🤣
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My screenwashers on my 2003 2.6 estate suddenly stopped working.
The reservoir was full, I suspected a fuse but found it was shared with the windscreen wipers which were fine.
I accessed this page for advice. I thought the pump had failed as I heard no noise when I tried to use it but a clogged filter was a possibility.
I connected a narrower gauge plastic tube to a hosepipe and washed out the reservoir thoroughlyvia the filler pipe.
No benefit. I recalled once being told that a 1% bleach solution will clear green mould from the inside of clear plastic tubing so I put some strong bleach in the reservoir and left it overnight.
I was not hopeful but today the washers worked perfectly.
I have washed the bleach off the car but left some in the reservoir for now as if used when it’s raining the bleach will be washed away.
Very pleased. My attempts to get at the motors had not been successful and I thought I might have to remove the front end for access.
Dilute the bleach you've left in there right away, or you'll find that the pump stops working soon.
My screenwashers on my 2003 2.6 estate suddenly stopped working.
The reservoir was full, I suspected a fuse but found it was shared with the windscreen wipers which were fine.
I accessed this page for advice. I thought the pump had failed as I heard no noise when I tried to use it but a clogged filter was a possibility.
I connected a narrower gauge plastic tube to a hosepipe and washed out the reservoir thoroughlyvia the filler pipe.
No benefit. I recalled once being told that a 1% bleach solution will clear green mould from the inside of clear plastic tubing so I put some strong bleach in the reservoir and left it overnight.
I was not hopeful but today the washers worked perfectly.
I have washed the bleach off the car but left some in the reservoir for now as if used when it’s raining the bleach will be washed away.
Very pleased. My attempts to get at the motors had not been successful and I thought I might have to remove the front end for access.
Dilute the bleach you've left in there right away, or you'll find that the pump stops working soon.
Thanks. I had already had second thoughts on leaving the bleach in the system and have washed it out and refilled with diluted CP concentrate. On third thoughts that was what I was using when the filter blocked. Ah well, I least I know how to deal with the problem if it blocks again.
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Further to my posting of September 2021 and the warning by Stemo to wash out the bleach or the pump will stop working.
Well I did wash out the bleach but, preparing the car for the MOT I found the screen washers had stopped working again. I cleaned the filter, not a gauze filter as I had expected, but a mesh in the end of the cone shaped rubber connector to the pump. No result. I checked the voltage to the pump when activated and it was fine. So the pump had failed as Stemo had warned, also possibly due to doing only 400 or so miles in the car in the last year. New ones are available on the net for £12 or so inc. postage but I had no time to get one before the MOT. As the headlamp washers are working I now realise I could have connected the front screen washer tube to the head lamp washer tube and blanked off the tubes to the head lamp washer and rear screen which would have covered the MOT requirement. Thank you Stemo. This website is so valuable.
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Further to my posting of September 2021 and the warning by Stemo to wash out the bleach or the pump will stop working.
Well I did wash out the bleach but, preparing the car for the MOT I found the screen washers had stopped working again. I cleaned the filter, not a gauze filter as I had expected, but a mesh in the end of the cone shaped rubber connector to the pump. No result. I checked the voltage to the pump when activated and it was fine. So the pump had failed as Stemo had warned, also possibly due to doing only 400 or so miles in the car in the last year. New ones are available on the net for £12 or so inc. postage but I had no time to get one before the MOT. As the headlamp washers are working I now realise I could have connected the front screen washer tube to the head lamp washer tube and blanked off the tubes to the head lamp washer and rear screen which would have covered the MOT requirement. Thank you Stemo. This website is so valuable.
headlamp washer pump is much more powerful that the screen wash pump. And the tubing is much bigger so you couldn't just tap into the headlight washers for the windscreen.